Buying, selling or investing is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The professionals at CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty take great pride in providing you with the guidance, advice and support you deserve to make the most of these opportunities.

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In a world rampant with identity theft and data breaches, it can be scary to give information to anyone. However, when buying a house, disclosing classified information is a must. Rett Harmon of CENTURY 21 Novus Realty shares the careful steps realtors can take to keep sensitive info safe and secure.

Digital Records

“We keep our data secure by storing all of it in the cloud. Thankfully, we have never suffered a security breach as we try to use the most trusted cloud-based sources,” explains Harmon.

Most tech insiders agree1 that cloud-based storage systems are secure. In these systems, data is kept in off-site servers that can be anywhere in the world. While this might sound riskier than keeping your information where you can see it, the fact is that hacking attempts mainly target traditional computer servers. Cloud storage systems offer more protection from hackers and cyber attacks.

“All of our data is backed up in the cloud. We make sure that we do business with cloud-based service providers that have locations in multiple areas and often backup their servers. We don’t rely on an IT department, and you will find zero servers in my office,” says Harmon.

Wire Transfers

An unfortunate drawback to life in the age of the internet is wire fraud. This can make placing a down payment on a home nerve-wracking for clients.

It’s important to have conversations about staying vigilant. Even though a wire transfer can be initiated from home using a mobile banking app, it’s a good idea to discuss the transfer with a bank or credit union. Certain banks have security measures in place, and it’s important to know what they are. If someone receives an e-mail telling them that the wiring instructions have changed, they should double check e-mail correspondences to be sure they are in fact communicating with right party.2

Security

The same type of precaution is necessary when signing electronic documents. Using secure services like DocuSign as opposed to e-mailing a signed PDF provides more protection. FIles sent through DocuSign display information that the document has been protected, or conversely can show when a document has been tampered with and can’t be trusted.3

Files sent without this type of protection, for example PDF files attached to an e-mail, are at risk of having a signature stolen by a hacker.

Printed Records

“Printed records should be a thing of the past, but my office staff still likes to keep a paper backup. It does drive me crazy, but I have to pick my battles,” Harmon says. “We do have many security measures for printed materials. We keep a securely locked container for any items with client or personal information. The box is picked up routinely by a company that properly destroys then recycles it to continue to keep the information confidential, even once we no longer need it.”

It’s no surprise that digital files are more convenient to all types of businesses. We no longer have to search file cabinets for a record, just simply type what we need into a search bar. However, digital records mean new methods of data security must be implemented.

“Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us,” Harmon says. “We want our clients to know that their conversations are between us. Building Trust is the key to success and longevity in this business.”

We often like to think good things about our new home, such as the memories our family will make there. However, there’s a less than wonderful thought that should also be considered: the risk of burglary. As a new homeowner, you may be at risk for this opportunistic crime, but you can take certain precautions to better protect your new home sweet home.

Install an Alarm System
One of the simplest ways to protect your home may just be to install an alarm system. When doing so, make sure to pick a smart location for the keypad. Choose a spot that’s convenient for you, but away from any doors or windows. You don’t want someone outside to be able to peer in and see whether or not the alarm is set. Also, request a decal from the security company to display on your lawn or window. A mischievous passerby noticing the added protection may decide to leave the house alone.

Plant Gardens Strategically
Gardens can be essential for creating aesthetic curb appeal, but did you know they may add to your home’s security as well? Planting a garden underneath ground floor windows may prevent people from casually walking over to your window to look inside. While it’s possible to just walk through the garden, doing so is a bit peculiar and may look suspicious to anyone nearby. Not wanting to call attention to themselves, potential burglars may just move on.

Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside
Having spare keys to your house is a great idea, since we all have one of those days where we accidentally lock ourselves out. However, stashing a spare key outside, such as in a planter or under the doormat, is a mistake. Potential criminals know to check these areas. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor. You may have to work around their schedule in the event of being locked out, but the added security can make that worth it.

Keep up Appearances
Everyone needs a vacation, but you shouldn’t let on to everyone that you’re out of town. While you’re away, time both indoor and outdoor lights to go on at night and off during the day. This way, no one passing by will find a dark, seemingly unattended home. Also, ask a neighbor to collect any newspaper, mail, or packages that may be dropped off at your door, since a pile up of unattended items signals that no one is home.

With the added protection that these safety tips may add to your home, you can have peace of mind to relax and attend to more fun aspects of being a homeowner.